Jane Smiley is an American author known for her novels, essays, and short stories. Born on September 26, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, she gained widespread recognition for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, A Thousand Acres, published in 1991. Her writing often explores themes of family, rural life, and the complexities of human relationships. In addition to fiction, Smiley has written non-fiction works, including books on horse racing and the writing process. She is also a professor of English at Iowa State University, where she shares her expertise with aspiring writers. Smiley's contributions to literature have made her a prominent figure in contemporary American writing.